(Panera Bread) Black Bean Soup

"This is my own version of Panera Bread's black bean soup. It tastes a lot like it, and I love it! Use vegetable stock to make it vegetarian."
 
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photo by iamafoodblog photo by iamafoodblog
photo by iamafoodblog
photo by iamafoodblog photo by iamafoodblog
photo by iamafoodblog photo by iamafoodblog
photo by Andi Longmeadow Farm photo by Andi Longmeadow Farm
photo by iamafoodblog photo by iamafoodblog
Ready In:
25mins
Ingredients:
11
Serves:
4-6
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ingredients

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directions

  • In a pot, combine the first six ingredients; simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add half a can of beans, salt and cumin; cook for 5 minutes.
  • Puree soup (I use an immersion blender which makes it easy to do it right in the pot).
  • Add the rest of the beans to the soup.
  • Combine the cornstarch with 1 1/2 tablespoons of water.
  • Add the lemon and the cornstarch to the soup; cook until thickened.

Questions & Replies

  1. How can I print this recipe?
     
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  3. Should i drain the beans before adding to pot
     
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Reviews

  1. This soup is great but the Panera Black Bean soup is vegetarian, so to get the exact flavor of Panera's I suggest using only vegetable stock. Also, Panera's soup has cilantro and tomatoes in it. I added a 16 ounce container of fresh mild salsa from the produce department (Jacks Special) and pureed it with the beans, stock and veggies. Now it tastes exactly like Panera's. No need to add lemon juice or cilantro because it is in the salsa. Yummy
     
  2. This was AMAZING and so easy! I'll never used dried beans again. I substituted carrots for the red pepper, increased the cumin, added a dash of cayenne and chili powder, and used boxed chicken stock. Other than this, I followed the recipe exactly! :-) I recommend that you hold off on the salt and only add as needed at the end. Mine was a tad bit salty.
     
  3. This recipe is pretty impressive by design: it has TONS of flavor, lots of protein, lots of fiber, plenty of veggies, and is low in fat!! Plus, it is extremely filling. I've never been to Panera, so I can't attest to the accuracy of the "copy cat," but it's definitely delicious! I fine-chopped all the veggies in my food processor during the first step, since I was going to dirty the thing anyway; it made for super quick prep! I added 1/2 tsp chili powder, per other reviewers' suggestions, but otherwise made as stated. (Note: Judging by some of the reviewers, the lemon juice is a controversial ingredient. However, I definitely recommend giving it a try at least once, as it adds a certain brightness--NOT lemony flavor--to the flavor soup.) This has found a new home in my regular-use cookbook! Thanks! :-)
     
  4. Wonderful! I added some cayenne pepper for a extra kick and I was amazed at the turn out. I used dried beans that were soaked over night and then slow cooked the beans for about two hours. I made a corn bread as a side. My kids were full and happy. Thank you for sharing.
     
  5. This is better than Panera's! I did not use the cornstarch and added more cumin (since mine was at least 3 years old and had lost some potency). Absolutely delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
     
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Tweaks

  1. Low Sodium Black Beans/Low Sodium Chicken Broth
     
  2. I just got through making this and it was so good I just had to make an account to review it. I stuck to the recipe with only a few modifications. First off, I saut?ed one finely diced red onion with olive oil until translucent. Then, added 3 cloves of minced garlic instead of two (I love garlic! Who doesn't?) for about 1 min. Afterward, I added the remaining veggies, the chicken stock, about 2/3 can of half-drained black beans (rather than the half can, undrained), and prepared it as the directions suggested. SOOOOO GOOD! I thought it was actually better than Panera's :) I am a huge health nut and this recipe fits into my diet 100% the guilt free feeling after eating it makes it even better! I should also add, as most reviewers have said, this soup is EXTREMELY filling! I will be making it again VERY soon and will be doubling the recipe so I have plenty for leftovers :)
     
  3. My family loves this soup, especially the Vegans! I used 1 1/2 cups of Vegetable broth instead of the 2 small chicken bouillon cubes and 1 -1 1?2 cup boiling water to make this a Vegan version. I now triple the recipe and freeze in single serving containers (12 ounces), and when it's gone, I've got family asking me to make more. Thanks for the recipe!
     
  4. What an amazing dinner made out of basically just beans!! So much flavor. I used chicken broth instead of the bouillon and accidentally forgot the garlic, but it still came out great. I also used 1/4 of an orange bell pepper and 1/4 of a yellow bell pepper (had them left over from another meal), didn't add the salt (you get plenty from the cans of beans) and wow! I'm so impressed. For one thing, I was glad the cumin wasn't overpowering; also, I taste tested it before adding the lemon juice (you never know if you might like it better without) and it was good, BUT! added the lemon juice and IT WAS GREAT! We had ours with whole wheat bread and butter on the side. Mmm. Thanks so much!!
     
  5. This soup was outstanding! I used carrots instead of celery, lime in place of lemon, and I drained and rinsed the beans. Otherwise, I followed the recipe as written. We topped it with sharp cheddar, sour cream, and chopped cilantro and onions, I have never had Panera's version, but this was so completely delicious that I don't think I need to. Thanks for sharing!
     

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

Hi .. The pic is of my beautiful son, born on 2/5/2005. His name is Tariq, meaning Bright Star. As I type this, he is blowing bubbles in his water cup and watching cartoons. He whined to get this water for 15 mins and now he won't drink it, he will only play with it. Sigh.. A few days ago he came up with this song, so sing along to the tune of "Old McDonald" : Old McTariq Laq Laq Laq E I E I OOOOOO LOL I thought it was the cutest thing :-) When I'm not running around after my son, or cleaning up the mess he makes wherever he goes, I cook and bake (my husband loves the blueberry muffins I make) and I love trying new recipes .. I also love to read, and collect sci-fi/fantasy novels .. I have over 500 books and still counting ..
 
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